Santa Fe Bicycle Accident Lawyer: Fighting For Injured Cyclists

If you were injured in an accident while riding a bike, you may be eligible for compensation

Riding a bike in Santa Fe is a popular way to get around, but the risks of a bicycle accident can be serious, often leading to severe injuries and unexpected expenses.

Bicycle accidents are often caused by distracted drivers, unsafe road conditions, or drivers failing to share the road safely with cyclists.

Unfortunately, these incidents leave victims dealing with physical recovery, medical bills, and time away from work, often through no fault of their own.

While it might seem clear who was at fault, getting fair compensation can be a complex process without the right legal support.

Bicycle accident victims deserve full compensation to cover medical bills, lost income, and the toll of physical and emotional recovery.

However, handling an insurance claim alone can be overwhelming, especially during recovery.

Szantho Law Firm is here to ease that burden, handling the complexities of your case and fighting for the maximum compensation you need to rebuild.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a Santa Fe bicycle accident, contact Szantho Law Firm for a free consultation to explore how we can help you pursue justice and peace of mind.

Common causes of bicycle accidents in Santa Fe

Bicycle accidents in Santa Fe are often the result of a combination of factors, from driver negligence to poorly designed infrastructure.

Each factor requires careful examination to determine liability and to support a strong claim for compensation.

Here are some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Santa Fe:

• Distracted Drivers – In busy areas like the Plaza and Railyard District, drivers often fail to see cyclists due to distractions from phones, GPS, or passengers. Drivers are expected to stay attentive, and failure to yield places them at fault.
• Left and Right Cross Collisions – One common type of bicycle accident occurs when a driver makes a left turn at an intersection or a right turn into a crosswalk without noticing a cyclist in their path. These “right hook” and “left cross” collisions can leave cyclists seriously injured.
• Dooring – On narrow, high-traffic streets, cyclists are at risk of being struck by a car door opened suddenly by a driver or passenger. This is often the result of a driver or passenger failing to check for cyclists before exiting.
• Speeding and Unsafe Passing – Speeding on roads like Cerrillos Road or St. Francis Drive often leads to accidents, as drivers may be unable to stop in time or safely pass cyclists. New Mexico law requires that drivers maintain a safe distance of at least five feet when overtaking cyclists, but this rule is often ignored.
• Road Hazards and Poor Infrastructure – Santa Fe’s bike lanes and paths can be inconsistently maintained, with cracks, debris, or poorly marked lanes creating dangers for cyclists. When poor road conditions play a role in an accident, liability may extend to the city or county responsible for maintenance.

Determining liability in a bicycle accident often involves multiple parties, from negligent drivers to employers of commercial drivers who fail to ensure safe practices.

Government entities may also share responsibility if poor road conditions played a role, and manufacturers can be liable for defects in vehicles or bikes.

A thorough investigation by Andras Szantho, an experienced Santa Fe bicycle accident attorney, can be key to identifying each liable party and building a strong case for full compensation.

Bicycle Laws in Santa Fe, New Mexico

New Mexico and Santa Fe have specific laws in place to protect cyclists and ensure their safety on the road. Key bicycle laws include:

• Safe Passing Law – In Santa Fe, drivers must maintain a minimum distance of five feet when passing cyclists on the road.
• Santa Fe Motorist Turning Across Bicycle Lane - When a motorist must turn across a bicycle lane or path, the motorist shall maintain a “proper lookout” for bicyclists and yield the right of way to any bicyclist traveling in the bike lane or path.
• Cycling on the Road – Cyclists have the right to ride on public roads but must follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles, including stopping at red lights and yielding to pedestrians.
• Use of Bike Lanes – While cyclists are encouraged to use designated bike lanes, they are not legally required to do so if unsafe.
• Helmet Laws – While New Mexico does not have a statewide helmet law, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended for safety.
• Anti-Harassment - Santa Fe ordinances specifically state that “a person in a motor vehicle shall not harass or endanger a bicyclist.”
• Anti-Dooring – Santa Fe requires people in motor vehicles to make sure it is reasonably safe to open a vehicle door so that it does not interfere with the movement of other traffic, including bicycle traffic.

Understanding these laws is important for cyclists involved in accidents, as violations by drivers can help establish liability and who will pay for damages. Consulting with an attorney who understands these rules can make a significant difference in navigating a claim.

Common injuries in bicycle accidents

Due to their lack of protection, cyclists are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries in accidents involving motor vehicles. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – Even with a helmet, cyclists can sustain head injuries that result in concussions, skull fractures, or severe brain trauma.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Bicycle accidents can cause spinal damage, leading to lasting mobility issues, nerve damage, or paralysis.
• Broken Bones – Collisions often result in fractures or breaks, especially in the arms, legs, and collarbones, as cyclists are often thrown from their bikes.
• Internal Injuries – Impact with a vehicle can cause serious internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, which may require emergency medical attention.
• Road Rash and Soft Tissue Injuries – When cyclists are thrown from their bikes, they may sustain abrasions or cuts from contact with the road, along with soft tissue injuries that can impact mobility and comfort.

These injuries can lead to extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and missed work, emphasizing the need for compensation to support the full recovery process.

In some cases, bicycle accident injuries are fatal, and families are entitled to pursue compensation to hold those at fault accountable and support their financial recovery during this difficult time.

Aggressive legal help for Santa Fe bicycle accident victims and their families

Pursuing a claim after a bicycle accident in Santa Fe can be challenging, especially when insurance companies attempt to minimize payouts or shift blame onto the cyclist.

New Mexico’s comparative negligence laws may also reduce compensation if the cyclist is found partially at fault, making it critical to have an experienced advocate.

Szantho Law Firm is committed to protecting the rights of injured cyclists, working tirelessly to secure the compensation you need for a full recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you navigate this process and protect your future.

“Mr. Szantho handled my case with tremendous energy, knowledge and action. I highly recommend his services!” – Robert J.